Apply for Free Native Tree Seedlings

The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) provides free native tree seedlings to NWF partners who in turn plant them through local restoration projects or community tree giveaway events. Tree giveaway events typically involve distributing seedlings to individuals (often students) that will plant the trees and care for them at home.

NWF partners must have a plan to care for the trees after planting. NWF partners include NWF Affiliates, Eco-Schools, Schoolyard Habitats and Community Wildlife Habitats. Through this effort, NWF and its partners are creating wildlife habitat, connecting people (especially kids) with nature and educating students and citizens about the critical role trees play in our communities for both wildlife and humans.

Applications are no longer being accepted on a rolling basis. We are not accepted applications for fall 2016, but NWF is accepting applications for spring 2017 tree planting and giveaway events. The deadline for spring 2017 applications is February 10, 2017. We will accept applications for events taking place between April 1st and June 15th 2017. If you live in a southern climate where it is appropriate to plant trees before April 1st, please email us at trees@nwf.org.

NWF has a Tree Planting and Tree Care Guide that will help you figure out how to (1) plan your event, (2) run a successful event, and (3) care for the trees after the event.

Plan Your Event:

What to Plant - identifying what type of native trees are best for your site (Tree Guide, page 14) - we also recommend consulting with the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, where you can look up native trees by zip code.

When to Plant - determining the best time of year to plant (Tree Guide, page 10)